OSCE trains Azerbaijani journalists in online investigative journalism

BAKU, 13 September 2011 - A five-day training course on online investigative journalism for 17 professional investigative reporters organized by the OSCE Office in Baku started today.

“Professional investigative journalism is key and indispensable in an open society,” John MacGregor, the Head of Politico-Military Unit in the OSCE Office in Baku, said in his opening speech. “It plays an essential role in promoting responsible business and good governance, in raising awareness of neglected issues and in initiating a public debate on socially important topics.”

International and local trainers will discuss with journalists and editors from both traditional and new media all aspects of investigative journalism on the Internet. The course participants will learn about use of new media tools and e-journalism activities such as communication, production, distribution and interactions, truth-seeking on the web, enquiry of official Government sources, the use of databases and other elements of effective online media investigations. Upholding and adhering to journalistic principles of objective, unbiased and accurate reporting in a new media environment will be an important part of the training course.